Question mark over confidence of error-prone Watford defender after Eguavoen verdict

Published: December 19, 2021

Interim Nigeria boss Augustine Eguavoen has acknowledged that William Troost-Ekong is lacking confidence ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

Last season, the Tottenham Hotspur academy product was a reliable player for club and country, helping the Hornets secure promotion to the Premier League and the Super Eagles qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.

One of the first names on erstwhile coach Gernot Rohr's team-sheet, Troost-Ekong was a key member of the Super Eagles squad that posted three consecutive clean sheets in their last three matches of the AFCON qualifiers.

Now, he is regarded as an error-prone player both for Watford and Nigeria and his starting spot is under threat.

Troost-Ekong was involved in the mix-up with defensive partner Leon Balogun that led to Central African Republic scoring a late winner against the Super Eagles in October, and was blamed for the goal conceded in the home fixture against Cape Verde during the World Cup qualifiers.

His mistakes have been more glaring in the Premier League; he was culpable for the two goals conceded by Watford against Brentford.

Against the Foxes on November 28, Troost-Ekong made a schoolboy error when he ducked a long ball from Jonny Evans thinking that goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann would claim it easily but that unwise decision allowed Maddison to steal in and score the opening goal in a 4-2 loss.

"Our psychologist has a big role to play as does the Coaches and the entire team to help lift the confidence of Troost-Ekong," Eguavoen told Brila FM.

"He's also a very strong player and we trust we can help him come through this rough patch."

Troost-Ekong went the full ninety in all the games played by the Super Eagles at the 2018 World Cup and was involved in six of the seven games contested by the national team at AFCON 2019.

Igho Kingsley

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com